A client suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complains that it is hard to cough up secretions and they are thick and sticky. The nurse should instruct the client to:
A) increase fluid intake to thin secretions.
B) eat small, frequent meals to conserve energy.
C) decrease exercise and increase rest periods.
D) take a cough suppressant to decrease coughing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a cough is productive, it is important to establish the source of the sputum and assess its color, volume, consistency, and other noteworthy characteristics. The nurse should instruct the client to increase fluid intake to thin secretions.

A Client Suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Complains